Alumni Association

Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram Commemorating 125 Years of Excellence (1897–2022)

1. Introduction

The year 2022–2025 marks a historic milestone in the legacy of the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, as it celebrates 125 glorious years of pioneering women’s education in India. Founded in 1897, the College has grown into a premier institution of higher education and empowerment, consistently ranked among the top colleges in Kerala and India.

Central to this success story are the alumni, retired faculty, and staff whose contributions have been foundational in shaping the institution’s academic and cultural legacy. As part of the quasquicentennial celebrations, we honour and reconnect with this dynamic community to reflect, celebrate, and envision a transformative future.

2. Objectives of the Alumni Initiative

• To honour the legacy of former students, teachers, and staff
• To build a comprehensive alumni database for future engagement
• To strengthen the network between the College and its global alumni
• To invite collaboration on academic, research, mentoring, and developmental projects
• To initiate a platform for shared initiatives through Samujjwala – the Alumni and
Former Staff Association

3. Legacy and Global Impact of Our Alumni

Over the decades, the alumni of GCW Thiruvananthapuram have made remarkable
contributions in diverse fields:
• Academia and Research – Professors, researchers, and educationists in India and
abroad
• Civil Services and Governance – IAS, IFS, and state-level officers
• Judiciary and Law – Legal practitioners and judges
• Science and Innovation – Leading scientists, medical professionals, and technocrats
• Arts, Media, and Literature – Renowned writers, journalists, filmmakers, and artists
• Entrepreneurship and Industry – Business leaders and innovators in emerging sectors
A Few Distinguished Alumni (Illustrative):

• Dr. Jancy James – First Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Kerala
• Justice K. K. Usha – First woman Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court
• Dr. Jameela Nishat – Renowned poet and activist
• Dr. Valson Thampu – Former Principal, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi (associated through family and public engagement)

4. Samujjwala: The Alumni and Former Staff Association

Samujjwala, our vibrant alumni and former staff association, serves as a bridge between generations of women empowered through this institution. It plays a pivotal role in:
• Organizing reunions and networking events
• Supporting college development initiatives
• Providing mentoring and career guidance to current students
• Promoting social impact projects

5. Database Creation & Community Outreach

As a key step forward, the College is creating a comprehensive digital alumni database. We urge all alumni and former staff to join this effort:
Click here to reconnect via our Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGVnIbvlTM7Hf5VSV_CerohK2bYs0QO7rRRAkS5-FebjPGNw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Email: principal@gcwtvm.ac.in
Helplines: +91 9645406339, +91 9645446439

We also request your support in spreading the word—please share this link with fellow
alumni, batchmates, and former colleagues who may not be aware of the initiative.

6. Proposed Engagement Avenues

• Academic Collaborations – Joint research projects, lectures, mentorships, panel
discussions
• Institutional Development – Infrastructure support, endowments, scholarships, green
campus initiatives
• Student Empowerment – Internships, placements, industry linkage, competitive exam coaching
• Cultural & Public Outreach – Showcasing alumni artists, writers, performers in college-led festivals and exhibitions

7. Looking Ahead: Vision 2030

• Becoming a Centre of Excellence for Women’s Studies and Leadership
• Fostering transdisciplinary and community-based research

 • Enhancing digital and green infrastructure
• Expanding global alumni chapters and cross-border collaborations

8. Conclusion

To every student who once walked our corridors, to every teacher who lit the lamp of
knowledge, and to every staff member who contributed tirelessly — this celebration is
yours. Together, let’s shape the next 125 years of Government College for Women,
Thiruvananthapuram as a beacon of academic brilliance, women’s empowerment, and
social responsibility.

In gratitude and anticipation,
Students and Staff
Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram
https://gcwtvm.ac.in